Translation and Meaning of: 受け取り - uketori

If you've ever needed to confirm a receipt in Japan, you've probably come across the word 受け取り (うけとり), which means "receipt" or "receipt of goods." But does it extend beyond this basic meaning? In this article, you will discover the fascinating etymology behind this term, how it is used in daily Japanese life, and even tips to memorize it easily. Here at Suki Nihongo, the largest online Japanese dictionary, you will also learn the correct way to write the kanji and ready-to-use phrases to include in your Anki or spaced repetition software.

Origin and etymology of 受け取り

The word 受け取り is formed by the kanjis 受 (うけ, "to receive") and 取 (とり, "to take"). Together, they create the meaning of "the act of receiving something that has been delivered." Interestingly, the original verb 受け取る (うけとる) already carries this idea of action, while the nominalized form 受け取り refers to the result — the receipt itself. This construction is common in Japanese, where verbs become nouns by adding the suffix ～り or ～い.

A trick that confuses beginners is the pronunciation: while 取 alone is "toru," in combination it becomes "tori" due to rendaku, a phonetic phenomenon typical of Japanese. If you've ever tried to say "uketoru" instead of "uketori," don't worry — even Japanese people make this mistake when speaking quickly!

Lies in everyday life and cultural context

In Japan, 受け取り is not limited to purchase receipts. You will find it in package deliveries (宅配便の受け取り), email confirmations (メール受け取り通知), and even in formal ceremonies, such as when receiving a diploma. An interesting case is in convenience stores: when picking up a package at Lawson, for example, you will hear "受け取り番号は何番ですか？" ("What is your receipt number?").

Unlike Brazil, where receipts often become forgotten paperwork, in Japan they hold legal weight. I've seen cases of people needing to present 受け取り証明 (proof of receipt) years after a transaction. Therefore, many Japanese people keep these documents in organized folders — a practice I recommend adopting if you live in the country!

Tips for memorization and related searches

To fix 受け取り, associate the kanji 受 with the image of someone receiving a package with both hands (the upper radical represents outstretched arms). On the other hand, 取 refers to "picking" something, like fruit from a tree. A common Google search is "受け取りと領収書の違い" (difference between receipt and invoice) — basically, 領収書 has fiscal value, while 受け取り is just confirmation of delivery.

Those who study Japanese often search for "受け取りを使った例文" (example sentences with 受け取り). Here’s a useful one: 荷物の受け取りを拒否した (I refused to accept the package). Another common term is "受け取り不能," used when deliveries fail. And beware: in online stores, "受け取り方法" (method of receipt) can make a difference in shipping fees!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 受領 (juryou) - Official receipt, acceptance of something.
• 取得 (shutoku) - Obtaining, acquiring something.
• 取り扱い (toriatsukai) - Handling, management of something specific.
• 受け入れ (ukeire) - Acceptance, receiving something or someone (in a location or system).
• 受け付け (uketsuke) - Reception, usually in a service location.
• 受付 (uketsuke) - Reception, service point, or information.
• 受け取り手続き (uketoriteprocedures) - Receiving procedures.
• 受け渡し (ukewatashi) - Delivery, the act of ing something to someone.
• 受け止め (uketome) - Acceptance, understanding of something, usually in the context of a reaction to events.
• 受け (uke) - Receiving can refer to a more general way of accepting something.
• 受理 (juri) - Formal acceptance, as in acceptance of documents or requests.